Bon Jovi to headline new festival

Bon Jovi are to headline a new festival which will be staged in London's Hyde Park this summer.

The US band are the first act to be announced for the inaugural Barclaycard British Summer Time event, which is being launched by promoter AEG Live.

Announcing the concert in London, frontman Jon Bon Jovi said: "Playing in Hyde Park is a lot of fun. The first time we did it was in 2002. Hyde Park is great - especially when you are staying here."

Bon Jovi last played an outdoor show at Hyde Park two years ago when they headlined Hard Rock Calling. That event along with the Wireless Festival are being moved by promoter Live Nation to the Olympic Park in east London.

The Living On A Prayer rocker said the possibility of a rainy British summer would not affect the band's performance, adding: "We have performed in snow, rain, dire heat. Bon Jovi has brought rain to deserts. The elements are of no concern here."

The singer said the band were asked to perform at the Olympic Park but it had been an easy choice to go for the Hyde Park option.

He said: "Hyde Park was a dream venue for me 10 years ago. It was the place I remember the Rolling Stones coming out after the passing of Brian Jones. There is a nostalgia and a loyalty to the venue."

The band are to release a new album What About Now? on March 25 and the concert will be part of their Because We Can world tour.

He said: "It's a big rock record with social content. It's uplifting and optimistic and the single Because We Can is Bon Jovi at its best - big anthems."

Barclaycard British Summer Time is being staged from June 28 to July 7, with Bon Jovi performing on Friday, July 5.